Gaining
God’s approval involves the proper exercise of our free will. This is because
Jehovah does not coerce anyone into serving him. In
Isaiah’s time, He asked: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” By recognizing the prophet’s right to decide, Jehovah dignified him. Imagine Isaiah’s satisfaction in responding with the words of today’s text. Humans are free to serve God or not to do so. Jehovah wants us to serve him willingly. (
Josh. 24:15) Any who begrudge God their worship cannot be pleasing to him; nor does he accept the devotion of those whose true intent is only to please other humans. (Col. 3:22) If we rendered sacred service “hesitantly” by allowing worldly interests to interfere with our worship, we would not win God’s approval. (Ex. 22:29) Jehovah knows that serving him whole-souled is good for us.
Moses urged the
Israelites to choose life ‘by loving Jehovah their God, by listening to his voice and by sticking to him.’—
Deut. 30:19, 20. w11 2/15 2:8, 9
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